In this article, the author explores the issues surrounding modern foreign language learning focusing largely on the French language. The structure of this article is as follows. First, the author briefly examines the links between Britain and France from an historical perspective, following an examination of current official policy in both England and France. From official policy, the argument moves on to "real" people by canvassing the opinions of teaching staff and pupils at schools both in England and France. Some of the responses received do appear to be rather frivolous at first glance, but when subjected to serious academic analysis they can inform quite a lot about attitudes at grass roots level. Finally, the author attempts to provide answers why British people are so introspective when it comes to language learning and draw some conclusions about modern foreign language learning and why people feel the way they do.